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Lianne Mackessy Wins Tropfest with Motherhood Short Film

2/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lianne Mackessy won Tropfest’s top prize for Crescendo, a short film about a mother balancing career and parenting.
The Sydney festival resumed after a seven-year hiatus due to financial issues and drew more than 35,000 attendees.
Mackessy said she was inspired by motherhood and highlighted pressures on women to return to work.
The jury included Margot Robbie and Sarah Snook, who praised the bold storytelling among the finalists.

History

Historical Context

Tropfest, founded in 1993 in Sydney, faced cancellation in 2016 due to financial issues, significantly affecting the Australian film industry. Its revival in 2023 drew over 35,000 attendees, showcasing resilience in cultural events. Lianne Mackessy's award-winning film, *Crescendo*, echoes 1970s feminist movements, emphasizing ongoing societal pressures on women and the need for inclusive representation in contemporary media.

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Story summary

Lianne Mackessy won Tropfest’s top prize for Crescendo, a short film about a mother balancing career and parenting.
The Sydney festival resumed after a seven-year hiatus due to financial issues and drew more than 35,000 attendees.
Mackessy said she was inspired by motherhood and highlighted pressures on women to return to work.
The jury included Margot Robbie and Sarah Snook, who praised the bold storytelling among the finalists.

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